Deeper Thinking in Viva Zapata! : Week of 2.14
This week, I was very excited to be able to analyze a film. By watching this film, I found a deeper understanding of the struggles of leading, the difference between learned and countryman, and how even in death a public figure lives on. The first concept that stuck out to me was how Emilion Zapata was a great leader, however, he still had his faults. When leading Zapata had to find ways to stay fair to his people, as well as please his advisor, Fernando. Zapata finally became overwhelmed with the power he had obtained during his leadership, however realizes this very soon when he starts to repeat the actions that Diaz has done against Zapata.
When looking at the difference between a learned man and a countryman, I looked at the grievances between Fernando Aguirre and Zapata. Aguirre viewed the typewriter as a weapon because words can cause all the difference in a revolution, while Zapata and his men took to brute force as their weapons. Aguirre was also very logical and precise when it came to big decisions, however, Zapata acted on passion and instinct.
Finally, I furthered my opinion that in death an important public figure will certainly live on. Much like Martin Luther King, the ideals of Zapata continued on even in his absence, as the impact that he had on people was so tremendous that he lives on. I strongly believe that sometimes when an important symbol passes, the movement can grow ten times stronger, as the people in the movement want to succeed ten times more.
I completely agree! One aspect you mentioned I find fascinating is how great leaders have faults. Oftentimes in films or books, people are romanticized to a degree where they can appear faultless. I feel like it is important to show that great people have faults, emotions, passions, and more. We can, one, forget that leaders are human just like the rest of us, and that they can make mistakes sometimes. Second, since great leaders are just like the rest of us, then therefore we all have the potential to become great leaders. This is an important lesson for people to remember.
ReplyDeleteHi Illy! I completely agree with both of your points. It is especially good to remember that as you said, while a leader can be strong and inspiring, that leader is still human. However, it is important that we can look past a leader's faults and appreciate them for the good things they have done. Your point is also interesting that there are different types of leaders. Some of the world's greatest leaders have acted more on logic, and some acted more impulsively. It goes to show that there is not a blueprint for success.
ReplyDeleteLillie, that also relates to the last point you made in your comment - we should not hold back from becoming leaders just because we have certain faults or do not live up to a certain standard. Everyone has the potential to be a leader - that is good to remember.
Thank you, Lily, for your post. I find your comments on Viva Zapata! full of great insights. The themes you identified in the movie (“the struggles of leading, the difference between learned and countryman, and how even in death a public figure lives on”) are all worth exploring. I would encourage you to do it in your next paper.
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